CITA Sets Interim Procedures for Panama TPA Commercial Availability Requests
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements issued interim procedures it will follow in implementing short supply provisions of the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PATPA). Under those provisions, CITA will consider requests to modify the list of fibers, yarns, or fabrics not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the U.S. A textile or apparel good imported into the U.S. containing such listed fibers, yarns, or fabrics will be treated as if it is an originating good for purposes of PATPA rules of origin, regardless of the actual origin of those inputs.
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The interim procedures are effective May 14. Comments on these interim procedures are due by June 13.
CITA May Modify Short Supply List Upon Request. PATPA contains a “Short Supply” list at Annex 3.25 (here on page 3-41). The list currently includes fibers, yarns, and fabrics from Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapters 51, 52, 54, 55, 58, 59, and 60. Through the procedures outlined by CITA in this notice, "interested entities" may request a CITA commercial availability determination. Interested entities include the government of Panama; a potential or actual purchaser of a textile or apparel good; or a potential or actual supplier of a textile or apparel good. CITA may then add or remove fibers, yarns, and fabrics from the PATPA Short Supply List, and therefore accord or deny treatment for some textiles and apparel as originating goods for the purposes of PATPA rules of origin.
CITA contact: Maria Dybczak (202) 482-3400
(Federal Register 05/14/13)